Sunday, September 30, 2018

Chivas goalkeeper Raul Gudino's save preserves draw against rivals America

ESPN FC News
Chivas goalkeeper Raul Gudino's save preserves draw against rivals America
América Guadalajara 1 1 FT Game Details Live football odds with bet365. Bet Now » GameCast Lineups and Stats Chivas goalkeeper Raul Gudino saved a stoppage-time penalty shot from Club America striker Mateus Uribe to preserve a 1-1 draw in Liga MX's Clasico Nacional on Sunday. The country's most successful clubs at 12 league titles apiece, both sides played an exciting, high-pressing affair at Mexico City's vaunted Estadio Azteca worthy of the historic rivals. The Aguilas had a golden opportunity to grab three points when Henry Martin drew a foul in the 94th minute after Gudino ran into the...

Real Madrid remain invincible at the Bernabeu

English // marca
Real Madrid remain invincible at the Bernabeu
Real Madrid remain invincible at the Bernabeu

Saturday, September 29, 2018

The eternal derby reveals why Italian football finds its way into your blood

ESPN FC News
The eternal derby reveals why Italian football finds its way into your blood
A dominant Roma beat arch-rivals Lazio 3-1 in an entertaining game at the Stadio Olimpico. ROME - On the day before the Rome Derby, in which AS Roma beat Lazio 3-1 on a viciously hot afternoon, I met Luciano Rossi and his son at a restaurant near the Roma training facility. A lot of people from the club come here for lunch, including Francesco Totti, now retired but still the most beloved living Roman. Both Rossi men are Roma official team photographers and their roots in this city stretch back at least seven generations. Luciano's family comes from Trastevere, the old neighborhood...

Friday, September 28, 2018

Sparks will fly between Ramos and Griezmann

English // marca
Sparks will fly between Ramos and Griezmann
Sparks will fly between Ramos and Griezmann

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Eden Hazard wants trophies with Chelsea not individual acclaim after EFL Cup masterclass against Liverpool

The Independent - Football
Eden Hazard wants trophies with Chelsea not individual acclaim after EFL Cup masterclass against Liverpool
Eden Hazard wants trophies with Chelsea not individual acclaim after EFL Cup masterclass against Liverpool
The Belgian's blistering form is prompting comparison to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Coventry supports lifting of Russia dopping ban

Sport – The Standard
Coventry supports lifting of Russia dopping ban

Kirsty Coventry, chairperson of the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission, yesterday said she supported the lifting of the ban on Russia’s anti-doping agency, Rusada, despite widespread dismay over this week’s […]

The post Coventry supports lifting of Russia dopping ban appeared first on The Standard.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

VIDEO: This Training Incident Proves Not All Is Well Between Mourinho And Pogba

BlameFootball
VIDEO: This Training Incident Proves Not All Is Well Between Mourinho And Pogba
Paul Pogba during training.

Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

While speculation often reigns supreme when it comes to sour relationships in football, occasionally the truth seeps through.

This usually occurs in moments of obvious dissent during match-days, and regardless of whether the foul dynamic in question is one that is shared between a player and a manager or players themselves, sparks always fly.

The most high-profile clash of egos that has been seen of recent is the reported fallout between Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba at Manchester United.

With the Portuguese gaffer allegedly stripping the Frenchman of his vice-captaincy, it is becoming very hard to dismiss the rumors. Now, there may be visual proof of this bad rapport, as a recent training footage shows an interaction between the two.

L'échange tendu entre Pogba et Mourinho en version longue. [Sky Sports] #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Z1FczGUs7t

— Manchester United (@MUnitedFrance) September 26, 2018

Wow, this is all so dramatic. Mourinho can be heard saying "Paul, get out", who then seems to ask why and clearly isn't going anywhere. pic.twitter.com/ekynTrm2Ix

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) September 26, 2018

The icy interaction, prior to which Pogba seemed in a positive mood, clearly had a momentous exchange of words. Throughout the apparent spar, Pogba appeared to be defending himself, akin to his encounters with referees during his on-field antics.

However, it is important to note that without the context of the actual words that were exchanged, interpreting the encounter as a major fallout between the duo is also slightly wishful thinking.

RELATED:

Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-2 Derby County (7-8 Penalties)

Further still, the speculation that surrounds the duo adds to the apparent drama, and one can be forgiven for reading into the situation too much.

Then again, the body language of the Frenchman is highly suggestive, as is the cold posture of Mourinho. While the gaffer is renowned for his hard love, this is one saga where the kind of words they exchange can have large implications.

An exit from the Carabao Cup after a defeat to Derby County, while not a huge loss, still doesn’t look good on Mourinho’s result sheet for this season. At the same time, neither does Pogba’s attitude. Is Old Trafford not big enough for both of them?

 

The post VIDEO: This Training Incident Proves Not All Is Well Between Mourinho And Pogba appeared first on BlameFootball.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Phil Foden shines as Manchester City see off Oxford United in front of packed house for League Cup tie

The Independent - Football
Phil Foden shines as Manchester City see off Oxford United in front of packed house for League Cup tie
Phil Foden shines as Manchester City see off Oxford United in front of packed house for League Cup tie
Oxford United 0-3 Manchester City: Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden made sure of the Premier League champions' progress to the fourth round

Monday, September 24, 2018

Luka Modric and Marta named players of the year at Best Fifa Awards

The Independent - Football
Luka Modric and Marta named players of the year at Best Fifa Awards
Luka Modric and Marta named players of the year at Best Fifa Awards
Modric beat Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo to the prestigious prize while the Brazilian saw off competition from Ada Hegerberg and Dzsenifer Marozsan

I didn't run away from Liverpool after Champions League final nightmare against Real Madrid, insists Loris Karius

The Independent - Football
I didn't run away from Liverpool after Champions League final nightmare against Real Madrid, insists Loris Karius
I didn't run away from Liverpool after Champions League final nightmare against Real Madrid, insists Loris Karius
The 25-year-old agreed to join Besiktas on a two-year loan after the signing of Alisson Becker

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Marquez closes in on world title with victory in Aragon

English // marca
Marquez closes in on world title with victory in Aragon
Marquez closes in on world title with victory in Aragon

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Erik Lamela guides wasteful Tottenham to nervy win over Brighton

The Independent - Football
Erik Lamela guides wasteful Tottenham to nervy win over Brighton
Erik Lamela guides wasteful Tottenham to nervy win over Brighton
Brighton 1-2 Tottenham: The Argentine came off the bench to put the game beyond doubt after Harry Kane's first-half penalty had given Spurs the advantage

Friday, September 21, 2018

Giants seek Chibuku Super Cup redemption

ESPN FC News
Giants seek Chibuku Super Cup redemption
The Chibuku Super Cup kicks off this weekend, with the league's traditional giants eager to make amends in Zimbabwe's premier knockout tournament after finding themselves reduced to mere spectators in the title race. First on the park are ailing giants Dynamos, who will look to set aside their league woes and focus solely on the job of getting past Bulawayo City in their first-round assignment at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday. Twenty-four hours later, Highlanders begin their own journey to redemption...

Sergio Aguero signs Manchester City contract extension until 2021 making

The Independent - Football
Sergio Aguero signs Manchester City contract extension until 2021 making
Sergio Aguero signs Manchester City contract extension until 2021 making
The Argentine has signed a new deal which will take him to a decade as a City player

Thursday, September 20, 2018

The day that Barcelona called Natxo Gonzalez: Guardiola wants to talk to you

English // marca
The day that Barcelona called Natxo Gonzalez: Guardiola wants to talk to you
The day that Barcelona called Natxo Gonzalez: Guardiola wants to talk to you

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Tired Eden Hazard excused Europa League duty by Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri

The Independent - Football
Tired Eden Hazard excused Europa League duty by Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri
Tired Eden Hazard excused Europa League duty by Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri
The 27-year-old playmaker led Belgium to third place at the World Cup and has been in scintillating form for the Blues

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Messi's Champions League obsession has begun

English // marca
Messi's Champions League obsession has begun
Messi's Champions League obsession has begun

Rwanda Football officials set for prosecution after bribery allegations

ESPN FC News
Rwanda Football officials set for prosecution after bribery allegations
Two Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) officials are set to be prosecuted following allegations of trying to bribe a referee ahead of an International match. The two officials, Secretary General François Régis Uwayezu and Commissioner for Competitions Eric Ruhamiriza, where detained earlier this month after allegations that they tried to bribe a referee ahead of a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Ivory Coast in Kigali on September 9th. Namibian referee Jackson Pavaza...

Monday, September 17, 2018

Ngezi catch them young

Sport – The Standard
Ngezi catch them young

One of Zimbabwe’s leading platinum miners, Zimplats, and the sponsors of Premiership football side Ngezi Platinum Stars continue to give back to the Mhondoro community after hosting yet another successful […]

The post Ngezi catch them young appeared first on The Standard.

Sunday, September 16, 2018

BWP strikes again to equalize for NY Red Bulls

ESPN FC News
BWP strikes again to equalize for NY Red Bulls
Major League Soccer: Bradley Wright-Phillips (76') D.C. United 2-2 New York Red Bulls

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Isco: There are other teammates who might be better than me

English // marca
Isco: There are other teammates who might be better than me
Isco: There are other teammates who might be better than me

Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar was unsure if he was ready to play Friday - Thomas Tuchel

ESPN FC News
Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar was unsure if he was ready to play Friday - Thomas Tuchel
With Neymar and Kylian Mbappe watching from the stands, Paris Saint-Germain cruised to a simple win over Saint-Etienne at the Parc des Princes. PSG head coach Thomas Tuchel insists he is not bothered whether Kylian Mbappe will surpass Neymar at the club, and is not interested about what the pair get up to on social media. Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel said Neymar didn't know if he was ready for their 4-0 Ligue 1 win against St Etienne, so he elected to rest his star striker. The Brazil international was in the stands alongside suspended teammate Kylian Mbappe to watch the French champions register their fifth victory from as many Championnat matches through Julian Draxler, Edinson Cavani (penalty), Angel Di Maria and Moussa Diaby goals. Speaking at a postmatch press conference, Tuchel explained Neymar's...

Friday, September 14, 2018

Lopetegui: Girona vs Barca? Every team should play at the same grounds

English // marca
Lopetegui: Girona vs Barca? Every team should play at the same grounds
Lopetegui: Girona vs Barca? Every team should play at the same grounds

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Mayoral: Lopetegui said he wanted me to stay at Real two weeks before I left

English // marca
Mayoral: Lopetegui said he wanted me to stay at Real two weeks before I left
Mayoral: Lopetegui said he wanted me to stay at Real two weeks before I left

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Karim Benzema's new life

English // marca
Karim Benzema's new life
Karim Benzema's new life

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Asensio: It's always nice to play like this with these players

English // marca
Asensio: It's always nice to play like this with these players
Asensio: It's always nice to play like this with these players

REVEALED: De Gea’s Reaction Behind The Scenes To Luke Shaw’s Injury

BlameFootball
REVEALED: De Gea’s Reaction Behind The Scenes To Luke Shaw’s Injury

Reuters/Carl Recine

Much has been said of Manchester United, their players, and the manager this season, and most of it has come in the form of criticism.

The team could not have asked for a more turbulent start to the campaign, and the fact that it is Mourinho’s 3rd season at the club, usually his worst, makes it even more worrisome.

Among all the speculation going on regarding the club, unrest in the dressing room is one of the major focal points of United’s poor start to the Premier League 2018/19 season.

In the midst of this, Marca have published a little snippet regarding Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea and his United teammate Luke Shaw.

RELATED:

Man Utd Fans Left Amazed By Sergio Ramos’ Tweet Regarding Luke Shaw

England faced Spain recently, and despite the Red Devils’ goalkeeper being in good form throughout the game, all the eyes were on Shaw, who suffered a horrific injury through a clash of heads with Carvajal.

A win for Spain might have been the biggest source of happiness for De Gea on any other day, but this time, the no. 1 was only eager to know his friend’s medical situation as soon as the game was over.

The shot-stopper could not keep calm until he was assured that Shaw was doing fine, and the injury was not as cruel as initially feared.

RELATED:

What Dani Carvajal Did Post-Match After His Brutal Clash With Luke Shaw

Marca further spoke about Shaw’s equation with his fellow United teammates, as they revealed: ‘The injuries he has suffered and how complicated it has been to settle in the team at Old Trafford, has made him very loved and appreciated in the dressing room of United.’

The youngster has been in inspired form this campaign, and his good run at United earned him an England call up – two things that were seemingly impossible last year.

The defender only recently recovered to full fitness after a horrific injury, and the entire world of football is breathing a sigh of relief that he was not a victim of another one.

 

The post REVEALED: De Gea’s Reaction Behind The Scenes To Luke Shaw’s Injury appeared first on BlameFootball.

Monday, September 10, 2018

Which is the best team?

Sport – The Standard
Which is the best team?

THERE is always a huge amount of debate about which soccer team is the best in the English Premier League — Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur…? […]

The post Which is the best team? appeared first on The Standard.

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Germany come from behind to beat Peru in Low's record 167th match

English // marca
Germany come from behind to beat Peru in Low's record 167th match
Germany come from behind to beat Peru in Low's record 167th match

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Real Madrid legends fall to Arsenal on penalties

English // marca
Real Madrid legends fall to Arsenal on penalties
Real Madrid legends fall to Arsenal on penalties

Manchester United Take Shock Paul Pogba Decision

BlameFootball
Manchester United Take Shock Paul Pogba Decision

REUTERS/Phil Noble

In football, as in life, one thing leads to another and the domino effect that ensues is the cause for many headlines. Paul Pogba’s Manchester United future has provided ample room for speculation of the sorts.

What started off as allegation of a bad rapport between the Frenchman and manager Jose Mourinho spiraled into full-blown interest from Barcelona during the summer window.

The transfer would have very well gone through had the higher-ups at United not refused to cease looking for an apt replacement.

The most recent update on the saga was a claim suggesting that Pogba and Mourinho had made their peace, and that the player wouldn’t reignite his interest to depart in January, but would instead wait till next summer to address his future, the club being put first.

RELATED:

Man United Fans Are Not Happy With Pogba’s Latest Comments

Now, a fresh update has been reported regarding the same. According to ESPN, Manchester United have put contract talks with Pogba on hold amid the uncertainty that surrounds his long-term future.

Currently into two years of a five-year-long tenure, it was earlier planned by the club that negotiations for a fresh deal would begin this month itself, fed by Pogba winning the World Cup with France over the summer.

RELATED:

Man Utd Convinced They Will Agree Winger Deal In The Coming Weeks

This requirement was deemed even more necessary by the fact that the 25-year-old is represented by Mino Raiola, who has proven to be a worthwhile adversary and is notorious for milking clubs when it comes to his star-studded client-list.

The report adds that United are still confident that Pogba will stay at Old Trafford for the long term, despite the shelving of these potential talks sending a conflicting message.

Pogba, for his part, has allegedly made it clear that the reported uncertainty he is showing at United is not a bid to tease a bigger pay in the next contract.

Does this bode ill for those fans who hope to see Pogba as a Red Devil for years to come?

 

The post Manchester United Take Shock Paul Pogba Decision appeared first on BlameFootball.

Friday, September 7, 2018

Man United Fans Are Not Happy With Pogba’s Latest Comments

BlameFootball
Man United Fans Are Not Happy With Pogba’s Latest Comments
Manchester United's Paul Pogba.

Reuters/Carl Recine

Paul Pogba has been a controversial figure all around the summer, and his recent statements have not made his case any better.

The French international has been linked to different clubs recently, with Barcelona being the primary team involved. However, the transfer window came and ended, and he still remains a Red Devil despite it all.

Pogba’s relationship with Jose Mourinho appears to have worsened over the course of the past few months, and even being given the captain’s armband has not made the situation better.

The Manchester United boss has been public with his praise of the midfielder this season, as he claims to be very happy with the player’s performances.

RELATED:

Both Pogba And Mourinho Have Taken A Surprise Decision Together

The World Cup winner recently spoke to the media ahead of his nation’s UEFA Nations League match against Germany, and here is what he had to say: “My future is currently in Manchester.”

To add to this, he said: “I still have a contract, I am playing there at the moment, but who knows what will happen in the next few months.”

RELATED:

Man United Superstar Keen To Play Under Zidane

If creating a stir could be done with one statement, then this would be it. While United fans still feel hopeful of their main man staying till next summer at the least, nobody can say anything for sure.

When asked about his relation with his Portuguese boss, the former Juventus player replied: “We have a pure coach-player relationship, that’s right.”

But pleasing the fans is what Pogba does best, and he did just that when he added: “One thing I can assure you, I will always give 100%, no matter which coach I always give everything for United – I can not say more.”

 

The post Man United Fans Are Not Happy With Pogba’s Latest Comments appeared first on BlameFootball.

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Gareth Bale shines as Wales run riot against Republic of Ireland to make winning start to Nations League

The Independent - Football
Gareth Bale shines as Wales run riot against Republic of Ireland to make winning start to Nations League
Gareth Bale shines as Wales run riot against Republic of Ireland to make winning start to Nations League
Wales 4-1 Republic of Ireland: Goals from Tom Lawrence, Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts secured a convincing win for the hosts

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Kapini still dreams of Warriors call-up

Sport – The Standard
Kapini still dreams of Warriors call-up

TAPUWA Kapini will go down in history as one of Zimbabwe’s most eccentric and colourful goalkeepers of his generation, but the former Highlanders shot-stopper wants to be remembered for something […]

The post Kapini still dreams of Warriors call-up appeared first on The Standard.

Is Lionel Messi hurting his own legacy by being too brilliant too regularly for Barcelona?

The Independent - Football
Is Lionel Messi hurting his own legacy by being too brilliant too regularly for Barcelona?
Is Lionel Messi hurting his own legacy by being too brilliant too regularly for Barcelona?
Winning La Liga titles and matches on his own is no longer enough for the demand of Fifa Best recognition, meaning he needs another Champions League to remind the world how good he is

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Andreas Pereira: “I’d Play For This Club For Free”

BlameFootball
Andreas Pereira: “I’d Play For This Club For Free”
Manchester United's Andreas Pereira in action.

REUTERS/Andrew Innerarity

Andreas Pereira has admitted that he is ready to play for his favourite club, Brazilian outfit Santos, for ‘free’ if he gets a chance.

Pereira has managed to earn Mourinho’s trust this season. The 22-year-old was one of the best performers for the Red Devils during their pre-season tour in the United States, and retained his spot in the starting XI for the first three games.

But the Manchester United gaffer had to switch tactics this weekend, and Pereira was dropped from the away game against Burnley.

While his United career flourishes, Pereira has named the club he wishes to retire at. Despite being born in Belgium, his heart lies in Brazil, and he wants to play for Santos before he hangs up his boots.

WATCH: What Messi Said About Ronaldo After Juventus Transfer

In a recent interview with Globo Esporte, Pereira revealed: “I’m a Santista. My whole family is Santista and I grew up being a Santista. If it’s to play, I’d rather play at Santos, end my career there. I think it’s a dream.

RELATED:

Everyone Is Talking About What Happened Between Messi And Suarez In Club’s 8-2 Win

“There’s a lot of players who say I’m crazy, but I’d play for free at Santos if I have to. It’s a dream. Who knows right after Manchester, winning a couple of titles here.”

The youngster is set to make his international debut for Brazil during this international break.

Pereira also revealed how his fellow United teammate Romelu Lukaku tried to convince him to join the Belgium national side, as he had already represented the Red Devils at youth level.

RELATED:

The Unbelievable Stat Which Proves Romelu Lukaku Deserves More Respect

But the Manchester United youth academy graduate wasn’t ready to make this switch, as his heart was set out to represent the Seleção.

“He tried to convince me. He spoke to me: ‘You have to play for Belgium’. He came to talk to me, he’s always talking to me,” Pereira admitted.

“I told him ‘it’s difficult, Lukaku, can’t do it, it’s not the same. Playing for Belgium is something else. Playing for Seleção… It’s Brazil, I feel at home.’ ‘If that’s the way it is, you have to follow your heart’. And then he respected my decision.”

 

The post Andreas Pereira: “I’d Play For This Club For Free” appeared first on BlameFootball.

Monday, September 3, 2018

Italy boss Roberto Mancini upset over lack of Italians playing in Serie A

ESPN FC News
Italy boss Roberto Mancini upset over lack of Italians playing in Serie A
ESPN FC's Julien Laurens and Gab Marcotti explain why Mario Balotelli's hopes of returning to Serie A this summer were dashed. MILAN -- Italy coach Roberto Mancini bemoaned the dearth of Italian players in Serie A as he focuses on youth in his attempt to get the Azzurri back to the top of international football. The national team is at a low point after missing the World Cup for the first time in nearly six decades. According to statistics cited by Italian national news agency Ansa, only 30 percent of footballers who ply their trade in Serie A are eligible to play for the national team -- compared to 60 percent 12 years...

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Mourinho’s Reaction On Marcus Rashford Red Card Incident

BlameFootball
Mourinho’s Reaction On Marcus Rashford Red Card Incident

REUTERS/Phil Noble

Manchester United tasted some much-needed victory at Turf Moor as they beat Burnley 2-0.

However, the final scoreline didn’t reflect the mood of the match entirely, as the game that ought to have been settled in favour of the Red Devils after a first-half brace from Romelu Lukaku seemed on the verge of chaos in the second half.

After Paul Pogba missed a simple penalty won by substitute Marcus Rashford, the young Manchester United forward got into a brawl with Phil Bardsley which resulted in him being sent off.

In his defense, Rashford was responding to a late kick from the Burnley man, which the referee missed, while his headbutt wasn’t.

WATCH: How Alexis Sanchez Reacted After Mourinho Subbed Him

As a result, red was evident for the Englishman, although Bardsley too deserved the suspension. Now, Jose Mourinho has had his say on the matter.

RELATED:

Burnley 0-2 Manchester United: 5 Talking Points

Speaking after the game, Mourinho predictably declared: “I don’t know what happened. I would say it was naive. It was a kid and a very experienced man. Bardsley’s been in the game for 20 years and Marcus is a naive boy.”

The gaffer can be allowed for being critical of the youngster, particularly in view of how badly the Red Devils required the win following their worst start to a Premier League campaign in 26 years.

However, one must also consider that Rashford, who is already starved of game-time, must have been really frustrated by the tackle on him and doubly disappointed by the referee’s decision.

Emotions got the better of me, I shouldn’t of reacted like that. Sorry to everyone at the club and all the fans #MUFC pic.twitter.com/6UWnxd4yYo

— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) September 2, 2018

At the end of the day, he ought to have known better, and having been awarded the first red card of his career will hopefully serve as a message for the rest of his tenure.

About their general performance, which was quite tense for the last 20 minutes, when the side had to play with ten men, Mourinho had this to say: “They played very well as a team, and there were very good individual performances and we should score many more goals. The result shouldn’t have been open until the last minute.”

 

The post Mourinho’s Reaction On Marcus Rashford Red Card Incident appeared first on BlameFootball.

Man City’s Team Before Sheikh Mansour’s Takeover: Where Are They Now?

BlameFootball
Man City’s Team Before Sheikh Mansour’s Takeover: Where Are They Now?
Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak (L) with chief executive Ferran Soriano (C) and Director of football Txiki Begiristain in the stands.

Reuters / Jason Cairnduff

Ten years ago, Manchester City was taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment, with Sheikh Mansour calling the shots and effectively altering the future of the lesser known Mancunian side.

A decade later, three resounding Premier League titles have been captured, and the Cityzens are one of the most feared teams in the world, largely owing to their sizable investments in the transfer markets by virtue of their big-money owners.

However, this wasn’t always the case; let us have a look at the final City side before the fateful move:

 

Joe Hart

Torino's goalkeeper Joe Hart reacts.

REUTERS/Giorgio Perottino

The English shot-stopper remained a part of the City roster for quite a while, before he was deemed below par for their needs, despite having led them to the hallowed titles. He now plays for Burnley, having left the champions earlier this summer.

Vedran Corluka

The Croatian centre-back, who also functioned as a right-back for City, now plays for Lokomotiv Moscow as their captain. One of the first players to leave after the takeover, he had a brief stint at Tottenham as well.

Micah Richards

Another defender who had a successful spell at City and held on till the memorable 2011/12 season, he has now been signed by Championship side Aston Villa. During the title-winning campaign, Richards warded off injuries and notched the most assists by any defender in the league.

Richard Dunne

A rare City legend and club captain who was replaced by the likes of Toure and Lescott. Unfortunately, he was one of the players that received a severe release after the takeover, as the Irishman apparently wasn’t big enough of a player for the new brand. He is currently retired and serves as a football pundit.

Michael Ball

Another retired player who functioned as a left-back. The Englishman had a severe injury in 2009, and he left City and spent a few years as a free agent before returning to play for Leicester and then finally hanging his boots.

Stephen Ireland

A product of Man City’s youth academy, Ireland currently plays for Stoke City, part of a loan deal from parent club Aston Villa. He was a regular till Mancini took over the Sky Blues and sold him in 2010.

Didi Hamann

A player whose professional playing days are over, despite ongoing stints with amateur sides. The German’s end came after City released him after the 2008/09 season.

Michael Johnson

Another retired player, the midfielder was once prized to be a brilliant player of the great game. Unfortunately, an abdominal injury caused his exit.

Vincent Kompany

Man City’s Vincent Kompany celebrates winning the Carabao Cup.

REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

A rare, familiar name in the present context, the Belgian defender has gone on to become the backbone of City’s recent success. Still the captain of the Mancunian giants at 32 years of age, one does wonder about his future.

Shaun Wrights-Philips

Two seasons after the takeover saw the English winger heavily feature for City, but the likes of David Silva and Yaya Toure quickly lapped up his starting spot. Now inactive, his last stints were with QPR, New York Red Bulls, and Phoenix Rising FC.

Jo

The Brazilian was signed shortly before the takeover for a fee of £19 million. This was then viewed as a huge amount, which is ironic considering the massive purchases the club has made since and the sheer records they’ve broken. The striker currently functions for Japanese club Nagoya Grampus.

 

Substitutes:

Leicester City's Kasper Schmeichel celebrates after Wes Morgan scores their first goal.

Reuters / Carl Recine

City’s bench featured the likes of Kasper Schmeichel, the son of United’s legendary goalkeeper, and who is currently more renowned for his shot-stopping antics with Leicester City.

Javier Garrido now plays for Norwich City, while Tal Ben Haim and Gelson Fernandes ply their trades for Standard Liege and Freiburg respectively.

Elano is now with Gremio, while the controversial career of City’s youth academy product Ched Evans has now seen the striker with Fleetwood Town.

Lastly, the memorable name of Daniel Sturridge once dotted City’s roster, but the English forward now plays for Liverpool.

 

The post Man City’s Team Before Sheikh Mansour’s Takeover: Where Are They Now? appeared first on BlameFootball.